Work is often at short notice so it is difficult to plan long-term commitments such as holidays. On the plus side you mostly work your own hours and you can wear what you like!

How important have other skills like organisation, communication and networking been to your career?

i have learnt to be very diplomatic as tempers can get very heated during opening weeks. I have to be very disciplined and manage my time and resources very carefully - my deadline is 1000 people listening closely to my work- you can't cover it up if you are late or your work is sub-standard. If I blow it someone else will get employed next time. So you also have to be good under pressure!

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I have to be very diplomatic in this respect by making directors feel that they can place that trust in me. With some directors I have a lot of creative input, and with others I work creatively but in a techincal way. The more I get to know and work with a director, the more creative input they will give me.

What sort of advice would you give to someone who wants to enter this field?

This is not an easy industry - the hours are very long and unsociable. The money is poor and the career path is very variable and subject to luck. If you love it, do it, but be prepared for a long haul. Most of the learning takes place when you finish studying.

You work for yourself, what advantages and disadvantages are there in doing this ?

You have to maintain a very large contact base to stay in work consistently. You need to live close to a major metropolitan centre to do this. Being self-employed you receive no benefits or holiday pay, and you have to keep careful track of your finances and bookings.